摘要：I wish to present a synthesis of experience from previous measurements regarding the provenance study of
marbles; to explain different methods, techniques and their combination of successful provenancing; and to
draw the attention to some avoidable, typical mistakes, which I discovered during my studies.
As a basic condition, it is important to examine the processes that can affect the samples during and after
quarrying, and change the original characteristics. Therefore, it is necessary to reconstruct the ˝history˝ of the
given sample, to know where and when it was changed; e.g., when the sample is displayed to high temperature,
which can influence some parameters (e.g. isotope ratios). Conservation and/or restoration work can affect the
correctness of results, i.e. originality of fingerprint parameters.
Sampling has also a basic role in provenancing studies. In ideal case, the samples are homogenous. In practice,
this is never the case. Thus, we have to pay attention to inhomogeneities, i.e. the spatial changes of features.
These parameters can dispose characters useful for provenance studies (e.g. color; texture/bandness;
appearance of accessory minerals in aggregated or diffused form; and inhomogeneity of the grain size
distribution). These determining features derive from the original protolith of the marble. However, surface
weathering can also cause inhomogeneity. To avoid this problem it is useful to take samples from deeper layers.
Artificial inhomogeneities can be the results of restoration and conservation, such as surface treatments, antic
or recent replacements on the artwork. Another case of artificial modification is achieved during the creation of
the artworks. Another important fact is the chemical and physical effect of the iron staples and pins on the
marble, which helped to hold together the statues. Archeologists, head of excavations, museum curators decide
about the method of sampling and their main goal is of course not to destruct the artwork, or just as little as
possible. We reached an important point here, in that we have powder or a bulk sample for further studies.
The next question is selecting appropriate methods. In the followings, the possible results of combined analysis
of powder (drilled) samples are discussed. The advantages, but also the obstacles of the most widely applied
method, stable C and O isotope analyses will be explained. Furthermore, the advantages and disadvantages of
87
Sr/
86
Sr isotopic ratios are discussed, also the subject to the used analytical method, like ICP-MS or TIMS. The
results of the isotopic analysis can be verified and completed with chemical measurement; however, its
disadvantage is that the different methods provide information about different elements with different sensitivity.
The ideal case for investigation is when – instead of powder sample – a representative bulky part (or drilling
core) of the object can be separated and analytical methods like quantitative textural analyses (QTA) and
cathodoluminescence investigations can be carried out.
